WINNING DEBUT FOR MILAN FUTURO: 3-0 AGAINST LECCO

Milan Futuro's debut couldn't have been better. In their first-ever match, they secured a 3-0 victory against Lecco in the first round of the Coppa Italia Serie C. A comprehensive and well-deserved win, perhaps more decisive than expected, especially considering Lecco's stature, as they participated in Serie B last season. It was a solid start. Liberali opened the scoring in the first half (27'), Nava made a crucial save early in the second half by stopping a penalty from Beghetto, and Jiménez sealed the win with a brace (66' and 95'). Coach Bonera's team showed great personality against a more experienced side, displaying no fear and showcasing the quality we know they possess.

All the potential challenges of this debut were overcome thanks to a well-oiled game mechanism, a detail not to be taken for granted for a brand-new team, as well as excellent physical condition, which allowed the squad to stay focused until the final whistle. Many, in fact, countless positive signs emerged from the Stadio Rigamonti-Ceppi, including the mental strength to score the second goal when Lecco was on top. Applauding Bonera's team from the stands, in addition to Zlatan Ibrahimović, was also Coach Paulo Fonseca, present at this historic first match. Next, we face Novara in the second round, scheduled for Saturday, 17 August at 21:00 CEST, once again away.

CHECK OUT THE GALLERY FROM LECCO v MILAN FUTURO

MATCH REPORT
Seven of the eleven in the starting line-up of Coach Bonera were from the Milan Primavera 2023/24. From the outset, quality and personality were evident. Milan Futuro controlled the play, but in counterattacks, Lecco, relegated from Serie B last season, was immediately dangerous. Nava made a great save to deny Buso in the 4th minute. After clearing the danger, it was all Milan. The first to shine was Liberali in the fourteenth minute with a central run, finishing just over the bar. Just before the half-hour mark, the breakthrough came thanks to Mattia, who took advantage of a mistake by Furlan, dribbled past the defender, and scored the first historic goal for Milan Futuro. Camarda had a chance to double the lead in the 42nd minute on a counterattack, but after a great build-up, his shot was too weak. We went into the break with a one-goal lead. The second half started with an immediate surge from Sia on the left, crossing the ball for Camarda, who was closed down by Marrone.

Sia committed a foul on the newly introduced Galeandro, resulting in a penalty for Lecco. Nava was monumental from the spot, saving Beghetto's attempt. Milan Futuro remained dangerous in attack, with Sia setting up Sandri, whose well-placed shot was saved by Furlan. Lecco changed their approach in the second half and became dangerous again with Galeandro, who hooked the ball at the edge of the box but shot just wide. In the 59th minute, Nava was decisive once more, saving a free kick from Beghetto that was deflected by Galeandro, with Nava reacting quickly.  At a crucial moment, Milan Futuro doubled their lead. Camarda played a through ball to Jiménez, who reached the edge of the area, took aim, and fired a powerful shot past Furlan for a 2-0 lead. Nasti replaced Camarda and came close to a third goal in the 83rd minute with a first-time shot that hit the crossbar. In added time, Zeroli's goal for 3-0 was ruled out for offside. Just moments before the final whistle, Jiménez scored again to make it 3-0, this time with his left foot into the far corner. A strong finish for the Rossoneri, who advanced to the second round.

MATCH DETAILS

LECCO 0-3 MILAN FUTURO

LECCO (4-3-1-2): Furlan; Celjak, Battistini, Marrone, Beghetto; Di Gesù (54' Frigerio), Galli (70' Dore), Ilari; Gündüz (46' Mendoza); Tordini, Buso (46' Galeandro). Subs: Fall, Dalmasso, Bianconi, Louakima, Ceola, Zuberek. Coach: Baldini.

MILAN FUTURO (4-2-3-1): Nava; Jiménez, Minotti, Bartesaghi, Bozzolan; Zeroli, Sandri; Cuenca (62' Alesi), Liberali (78' Malaspina), Sia (62' Magni); Camarda (78' Nasti). Subs: Mastrantonio, Pittarella, D'Alessio, Duțu, Longo, Paloschi, Stalmach, Scotti, Traorè. Coach: Bonera. 

Referee: Renzi from Pesaro.
Goals: 27' Liberali (MF), 66' and 90+5' Jiménez (MF).
Bookings: 58' Minotti (MF), 63' Mendoza (L), 78' Sandri (MF).
Notes: 50' Nava (MF) saves Beghetto's (L) penalty.

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